Humility

Some one has said, that the society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. The idea here is that neither the pipes nor the theories will hold water.

Humility is not as popular with people as it used to be. The post-modern era is marked with men and women who are pushing their way to the top. Folks want recognition, fame, and money. They want to be petted, placated, and appreciated. So it seems as though few people like the humble roles in life.

Jesus told His disciples the humble servant was really the greatest among them (Matt. 20:27; 23:11). Proverbs 18:12 reads - "Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." We have heard "pride cometh before the fall." We have also heard that God "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). We should understand then, that humility is a very important part of success. Humility does not need a pat on the back. Humility does not need its name to be called. Humility knows that in doing something that is right, the very doing of it is enough. Humility carries on even when nobody else knows or cares.

George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut, once noted: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me."

There are many thing we will never know. There are many things we will never be. But being created in the image of God and having the grace of God is sufficient for us (2 Cor. 12:9). Faithful Christians will be like Paul, who constantly humbled himself: "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Cor. 15:9); "I am the very least of all the saints" (Eph. 3:8); "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Tim. 1:15).

Most Christians I encounter, when asked what traits they desire the most, will have in their short list the characteristic of humility. We know we need it. We know it is difficult to achieve. And we know where to get it - In Jesus Christ alone!

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself..." (Philippians 2:5, 8)

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." ~ James 4:10